MEDICMAN
Registered user
comfort and fit are everything IMHO.
I agree that a £100 helmet vs £500 helmet on the grounds of protection is virtually meaningless (unless you've got it off the back of a lorry). We have a strict legislation governing the basic minimum safety standards of helmets and thus; if it has a gold seal it should be ok.
However comfort and fit are totally different matter. I and the misses have BMW System 6 helmets but whereas mine is excellent hers starts giving her a headache after a few hours. Trouble is, how many places allow you to try a helmet on for a few hours riding. Likewise, a good fit in the summer may be a little loose in the winter or if perfect in the winter, too tight in the summer. Also, how much hair have you on your head and how often do you get it cut!!?
Its a bloody minefield! Having said some of the high end Helmet manufacturers offer a fitting service on their stands at various bike shows. So its always worth checking out a show before you go.
I completely agree that you should always where earplugs and its worth having them fitted if you can afford it. Likewise a change of screen can make a huge difference as it is mostly the wind flow around the helmet that makes the most noise! On that point always check out how sleek your new helmet to be is. Every petrussion (spelling) will cause turbulence and turbulence = noise. this is why full face helmets are usually (and I say usually) quieter than flip up ones.
Hope this helps.
I agree that a £100 helmet vs £500 helmet on the grounds of protection is virtually meaningless (unless you've got it off the back of a lorry). We have a strict legislation governing the basic minimum safety standards of helmets and thus; if it has a gold seal it should be ok.
However comfort and fit are totally different matter. I and the misses have BMW System 6 helmets but whereas mine is excellent hers starts giving her a headache after a few hours. Trouble is, how many places allow you to try a helmet on for a few hours riding. Likewise, a good fit in the summer may be a little loose in the winter or if perfect in the winter, too tight in the summer. Also, how much hair have you on your head and how often do you get it cut!!?
Its a bloody minefield! Having said some of the high end Helmet manufacturers offer a fitting service on their stands at various bike shows. So its always worth checking out a show before you go.
I completely agree that you should always where earplugs and its worth having them fitted if you can afford it. Likewise a change of screen can make a huge difference as it is mostly the wind flow around the helmet that makes the most noise! On that point always check out how sleek your new helmet to be is. Every petrussion (spelling) will cause turbulence and turbulence = noise. this is why full face helmets are usually (and I say usually) quieter than flip up ones.
Hope this helps.
i was thinking of a series 6 BMW helmet or one of the range .. anyone had one of these...whats your opinion ?
